Srinagar, October 19, 2025 – The first-ever Livestock Show 2025 (Pashu Dhan Mela) was a celebratory showcase of Kashmir’s animal wealth and advanced agri-tech innovations at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Shuhama, Alusteng. Co-organised by J&K Dairy Farmers Association and SKUAST-K, the two-day spectacle brought scientists, entrepreneurs, and farmers together to bring into focus the region’s endemic livestock prosperity, share information, and propel sustainable farming into action. Organised between October 18-19, the event converted the lush Shuhama campus into a colourful hub of tradition and innovation. More than 5,000 visitors, ranging from livestock breeders to agri-students and policymakers, poured in to see an impressive line-up of indigenous and exotic breeds—ranging from sturdy Kashmiri goats and high-milk-yielding dairy cows to dual-purpose Gramapriya poultry chicks.
Stalls were overflowing with agri-tech demonstrations, ranging from AI-based animal health monitoring devices to precision feeding modules and bio-fortified feeds developed by SKUAST-K scientists.The showpiece of the show was the Livestock Exhibition Arena, where prize-winning breeds competed for glory. Sandeep Singh Chib, award-winning dairy farmer and multiple award-winning exhibitor, won the Best Dairy Cow award for his Jersey crossbreed, attributing the success to SKUAST-K extension programs. “This platform not only brings recognition to our farmers’ work but also fills the gap between lab research and ground realities,” Chib attributed to the role of dairy farming in rural economies. Prof. SKUAST-K Vice Chancellor Nazir Ahmad Ganai inaugurated the event officially, referencing its relevance in the context of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). “Effective animal resources of Kashmir Valley are the backbone of food security and livelihood.
This Livestock Show brings science research and entrepreneurship culture together to usher in sustainable development and climate-resilient agriculture,” he observed. Ganai emphasized sustained efforts such as Distribution of Gramapriya Chicks under the Tribal Sub-Plan, which has benefited over 40 tribal families in Ganderbal backyard poultry units with improved nutritional security.
Startups thrilled with agri-tech startups launching innovations: a Srinagar-based startup showcased drone-based fodder mapping, while another launched an IoT-based smart collar for live tracking of livestock and reducing disease outbreaks by up to 30%. Researchers from Division of Livestock Production and Management highlighted research work in genetic upgradation of indigenous breeds, such as cryopreservation protocols for important sheep germplasm, and getting rounds of applause. Sustainable livestock production was deliberated upon by means of interactive sessions on processing of organic feeds and value-added products in dairy such as probiotic-endowed yogurt demonstrations. Special Entrepreneurs’ Pavilion provided B2B interactions with on-spot MoUs for technology transfer from SKUAST-K to local cooperatives. The event also witnessed a Farmers’ Forum, where over 200 Kashmiri farmers presented success stories of transitioning to zero-waste agricultural models through skill development programs supported by universities.
With the day concluding with cultural events and prize distribution, Livestock Show 2025 turned out to be a milestone in terms of updating Kashmir’s agricultural industry. With a second day of extra on-site demos and policy discussions to look forward to, the event confirms SKUAST Shuhama as a rural development and agri-tech innovation force in the Himalayas.
